2025 Newsletter
A Message From Director of Bands, Daniel Lee!
Summer 2025
Hello GSAB!
It’s been a wonderful first year at NDSU for me, and I want to thank you for being a part of the welcoming and supportive experience I’ve had this past year. To give a brief overview of what the Wind Symphony did this year: we gave four fantastic concerts, took a Tour of the western portion of ND, had the Boston Brass out in the Fall to work with our students, had students attend both the MMEA and NDMEA conferences, had students involved in the ND Intercollegiate Band, hosted 45 bands at Raging Red this year (including giving performances for those students that were very well-received), and had a few social events to bond throughout the year.
For 2025-2026, we have some exciting activities planned: more concerts, another Fall Tour to The Cities, another Raging Red, another Intercollegiate Band, but also a new event with giving the world premiere of a Kevin Day piece with the Boston Brass in February. In addition to these events, we’re excited to be working in an expanded and remodeled building, and to welcome two new faculty members to the instrumental music department, Dr. Will Sutton as our new trombone instructor, and Dr. Mark DeMull as our new percussion instructor. Last, I’m also representing NDSU in some great ways this upcoming year. I was asked to serve as one of the MN All State Band conductors this year, working with those students over the summer and during the MMEA conference next February. I was also asked to conduct the band on the next Star of North Dakota trip (formerly known as the Ambassadors of ND), so I’ll be traveling to Europe next summer with close to 200 students, who may potentially choose to attend NDSU because of their experience.
Again, I can’t thank you all enough for introducing yourselves at concerts and football games, and for sharing your support for the things we’ve accomplished this year. Moreso, thank you for creating a culture and community that exists after graduation. I look forward to getting to know all better, and to see students I’ve taught start to join your ranks. I’ll end my portion with some intros for our new faculty.
Sincerely,
Daniel Lee
Now to Meet the Challey School of Music's New Faculty Members, Dr. Mark DeMull and Dr. Will Sutton!
Dr. Mark DeMull
Dr. Mark DeMull is a newly-appointed Assistant Professor of Music at North Dakota State University. He is active throughout the upper-Midwest as an orchestral player, chamber musician, soloist, and teaching artist. Mark is a passionate advocate of new music, and has been involved in the creation of numerous musical works. His album Last Dance is the culmination of a large-scale commissioning project, and contains seven new pieces for intermediate-level marimba.
Dr. Will Sutton
Dr. Will Sutton is Assistant Professor of Music at North Dakota State University, where he teaches trombone and music theory and conducts ensembles. He has performed with major symphonies throughout the United States and has appeared as a soloist and presenter at national and international conferences. Will is on the Board of Directors for the Leonard Falcone Festival and is a regular adjudicator and clinician. A dedicated educator, he teaches each summer at the New England Music Camp. He is an Eastman/Shires/Willson Artist, and his solo work is featured by Kendor Music, Inc.
"I’m thrilled to join the faculty at North Dakota State University as Assistant Professor of Music, working with the trombone studio, bands, and theory area. It’s an honor to become part of a program with such a strong tradition of musical excellence. I look forward to working closely with the incredible students here, contributing to their growth as musicians, and collaborating with the outstanding faculty. I'm equally excited to connect with NDSU alumni and celebrate the legacy they've built. Together, we’ll continue to make music that builds community and carries forward the excellence NDSU is known for."
- Dr. Sutton
Updates Across the Gold Star World
A Message from the Director of Athletic Bands, Connor Challey!
Hey, Gold Star Alumni Band!
As we head into a new season with the Gold Star Marching Band, I want to take a moment to thank you—the alumni who laid the foundation for the tradition, excellence, and unmistakable energy that define the GSMB. It is a privilege to serve as Director of Athletic Bands at North Dakota State University and carry forward the legacy you helped create.
This fall, we’re not just performing—we’re showing up to serve our region, celebrate our past, and build our future
On August 30th at 2:00 p.m., the Gold Star Marching Band will perform at the Minnesota State Fair, representing NDSU on one of the region’s largest stages. A few weeks later, on October 10th, we’ll take the field at Moorhead High School to perform during halftime. Both events are part of our ongoing mission to serve the Upper Midwest and inspire the next generation of Bison musicians through meaningful outreach and recruiting. Your support—past and present—makes this work possible.
We’re also excited to share that the GSMB has been given a brand-new practice field, located just west of the Music Education Building. This new space will be our home throughout the season and beyond—a place we hope becomes the launching pad for even greater heights in precision, performance, and pride.
Our first halftime show of the season will celebrate something special: NDSU’s 2025 Football National Championship. We can’t wait to bring that excitement to the stands and the field in true Gold Star fashion.
And of course, we’d love nothing more than to see you back on the field with us for Homecoming on September 27th. This year’s Alumni Band performance features a lighthearted, nostalgia-packed cartoon show with music from The Simpsons—a tribute to longtime composer Alf Clausen, who began his musical journey right here in Fargo. Whether it’s been five years or fifty since you last marched, you are always welcome. Dust off your instrument, lace up your shoes, and join us for Homecoming 2025!
The GSMB continues to grow in sound, spirit, and size—but we never forget where we came from. Thank you for your ongoing support, and for keeping the Gold Star tradition alive across generations.
With Pride,
Connor Challey
Director of Athletic Bands
North Dakota State University
A Message from the Assistant Director of Performing Arts, Bill Law!
Greetings to all NDSU Alumni Band Members and all NDSU Ensemble Alumni
Warmest greetings to all,
The 2025-26 school year is here, and promises to be full of exciting events, large and small. Homecoming will soon be upon us, and we look forward to seeing you in the Gold Star Alumni Band. We are excited to have the opportunity to get together in person!
Once again, a lot of change around the Challey School of Music—a new wing on the building, significant remodeling of the existing building, and new faculty and leadership in place. New-ish band director Daniel Lee has proven to be a gem—an excellent conductor, musician and colleague, and we look forward to another great year with Daniel on the podium and in the classroom.
Regarding good work and development—many of our band alumni are already donors to various areas on campus—scholarships, building projects, and endowed funds for things like the Gold Star Alumni Band Fund. If you and your family would like to be part of this campus support, please feel free to email or call me. There are lots of ways to get involved—and it’s not complicated to get started. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact!
Cheers and Go Bison!
Bill Law
Assistant Director, NDSU Performing Arts
Director of Development, Performing Arts
701-231-7420
bill.law@ndsu.edu
A Note From the President
Greetings, Gold Star Band Alumni!
Your GSAB Board has been busily planning for our Homecoming 2025 celebration September 26-27. Details are found here in the newsletter, including the return of a Jazz Jam, as part of our post-game social. Many thanks to our Board, for all their time and work put into GSAB!
Here’s your current GSAB Board:
President: Theresa Ulrich (2023-2025)
Vice President: Abby Berg (2023-2025)
Secretary/Treasurer: Abby Weir (2023-2025)
Past President: Aaron Beseler (2023-2025)
Members-at-Large:
Sam Martel (2024-26)
Lindsey Miller (2024-26)
Tracy Youngberg (2024-26)
Steve Anderson (2023-25)
Camden Loth (2023-25)
Alyson Jezusko (2023-25)
If you are interested in serving on our Board, please email me at theresaasmith@hotmail.com. Go Bison and Go Alumni Band!!
Theresa Ulrich, GSAB Board President
Spring Scholarship Winners
Theresa Ulrich, GSAB; Sandra Vining Memorial Scholarship winner Rylie Schick; 2025-26 GSAB Scholarship winners Jacob Reinbold-Nagel and Isabelle Jipson
On May 2 and 3 this spring, Theresa Ulrich from our Board represented GSAB, assisting with recognition of seniors and scholarship winners in the University Band and Wind Symphony. During these concerts, Sigurd Johnson was also honored, on his retirement from NDSU. Thank you, Sigurd, for all your years of wonderful band leadership at NDSU! Also, thank you to our alumni who generously donate to our GSAB Scholarship Fund, and keep our scholarships tradition going!
Homecoming Days: September 26-27, 2025
ALL GOLD STAR BAND ALUMNI ARE INVITED to come and join in the fun of Homecoming 2025! Whether you are playing at Homecoming this year or not, you are welcome to join in all of our GSAB activities!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
5:30 p.m. - Homecoming Parade. The parade begins on the corner of University and 17th Ave. N., heading south, before turning west on 12th Avenue. Mark and Suzette Kuklok are our Honored Alums this year and will be riding in our parade unit!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
7:30 a.m. START TIME - Alumni Band breakfast treats, meeting, and rehearsal, Band Room, Challey Hall.
Registration, breakfast treats, business meeting, recognition of our Honored Alum, rehearsal of our own tunes for the day. This year’s GSAB Homecoming Director is Lindsey Miller (GSB 2017). She will lead our rehearsal at the Band Room, as well as our performances throughout the day. Breakfast begins at 7:30; meeting and rehearsal time start at 8:00. Come on over, socialize, and enjoy the rehearsals! Rehearsal of our songs that will be played with the GSMB during the game will be whenever Connor tells us we need to be at the FargoDome Saturday morning. We adjust our schedule to accommodate the GSMB’s access to the Dome and their schedule.
Noonish - Meet on the west side of the FargoDome and play there if the weather allows. This location is subject to change and will be finalized during our morning rehearsal.
1:00 p.m. - Homecoming Game (NDSU vs. South Dakota):
Play “Yellow & Green” with GSMB in pregame; play with the GSMB at halftime. We will be joining the GSMB for these two numbers before and during the game. Otherwise, we will be not be playing during the game. Game ticket orders for band alumni are through the registration page and are on a first-come, first-served basis. We have a limited block of tickets available, so be sure to register as soon as possible. Please e-mail GSAB board members Theresa Ulrich (theresaasmith@hotmail.com) or Aaron Beseler (abeseler@hotmail.com) if you have any questions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for those of you who are playing during pregame and/or halftime:
Music for these pieces will be e-mailed to you approximately 1 week before homecoming (sooner, if possible). Please be sure we have the best e-mail address to communicate with you when you register. If you have questions, e-mail Aaron Beseler (please put “GSAB” in your subject line).
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Jazz Jam and Social!
Dave Stordalen has been organizing the Jazz Jam Social this year, which will be at the Hilton Garden Inn (4351 17th Ave S., Fargo, ND, 701-499-6000). All are welcome to participate in the jam session or just come to socialize with other alumni and families! We encourage a free will offering.
NEW REGISTRATION FOR 2025
Our registration has moved FULLY ONLINE this year! Once you are registered, we will send updates on our activities that are still in the planning process, as well as information about music being played. If you aren't yet part of our Facebook group, you can request to join the "NDSU Gold Star Alumni Band" group, where we also share information regarding Homecoming.
For any alumni who are NOT receiving e-mails from the NDSU Alumni Foundation, please go to the Foundation's information update page to ensure they have your correct e-mail, as we will not be doing any physical mailings moving forward.
https://ndsufoundation.com/alumni/update-your-information
Gold Star Alumni Band shirts are available to order on the registration page, in both t-shirt and polo shirt styles! Both shirts are undated and can be used for years. We would like everyone to wear their shirts to all our Homecoming activities and especially when we are playing together throughout the day on Saturday. Remember to bring along your GSAB shirt if you have already bought one! Please see the registration form to order one, if you don’t have one yet. To guarantee your specific shirt size and style is available in time for Homecoming, please submit your registration by September 5th.
If you register past that date, we may not be able to get the less-common sizes. If you have questions about a shirt order, contact board member Sam Martel.
Meet the Honored Alumni and Alumni Director
Mark and Suzette Kuklok - Honored Alumni
The Kuklok's met 40 years ago this fall in the trumpet section at Gold Star Marching Band Rehearsal in September of 1985! Mark graduated in 1987 with his Instrumental Music Education degree and taught band in Wheaton, Minnesota for two years. Meanwhile, Suzette finished her Instrumental Music Education in 1990. They were married in June of 1990 and moved to southern Minnesota. Mark decided to get his Instrument Repair Degree from Red Wing Technical College, graduating in 1991.
Suzette started teaching elementary music & middle school band at St. Mary’s School in Owatonna. Mark began his instrument repair career at the Music Mart in Mankato. He eventually opened his own repair shop, MK Music Repair, in Owatonna. He currently services instruments for around 35 schools in Southern Minnesota and has hired a full time assistant. Suzette is currently the Elementary Music Specialist at Divine Mercy Catholic School in Faribault, where she teaches Preschool through 5th Grade General Music and 5th Grade Band.
The couple is active in the Owatonna Community Orchestra, Community Band, and Little Theatre of Owatonna. They have performed in the Pit Orchestra for over 30 shows and Mark has designed the set for a countless number of Shows.They love to travel, having visited all 50 states! In 2024, they took an Alaskan Cruise. This past July, the pair road-tripped to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. They are avid NDSU football fans and have made it to nearly every Homecoming since they graduated. Mark and Suzette live in Owatonna with their dachshund, Spike.
Lindsay Miller
-Alumni Director
Hey Band!
I’m honored to be this year’s Homecoming director. A bit about me:
I’ve been playing trombone since 5th grade. I played with the GSMB from 2012-2015, and was a section leader in the 2015 season. I graduated from NDSU in 2017 with a bachelor’s in Anthropology, and have done archaeological work from Michigan to Poland. After working in various industries, I went back to school and graduated in 2022 with a master’s in English. I now work at an AI development company as a project owner. One of my favorite parts of the year (next to Christmas) is coming back to NDSU to play with the GSAB at Homecoming, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all again this year! Go Bison!
-Lindsey Miller
